Jury Duty (Quincy, M.E.)

Jury Duty
Series Quincy, M.E. Season 5 Episode 20 Airdate April 29, 1981 Airtime 60 minutes Runtime approx. 49 minutes without commercials Production No. 55321 Writer David Moessinger & Jon Dalke Director Georg Fenady Music by Guest Star(s) Robert Patterson as defense attorney; Alyson Curtis as juror Jane Matthews Victim Unnamed young mother found dead at jury assembly Autopsy Findings Multiple contusions, signs of poisoning, evidence tampering in jury documents Network NBC Production Company Universal Television / Glen A. Larson Productions Previous Episode Scream to the Skies (Quincy, M.E.) Next Episode Who Speaks for the Children? (Quincy, M.E.) Previous Season Next Season

Quincy and Monahan in the courtroom

Quincy shares findings during a tense courtroom scene.

Episode Quote

"It’s not just about winning a case—it’s about preserving the integrity of the entire justice system." ~ Dr. Quincy, in Jury Duty (Quincy, M.E.)

Episode Overview

Jury Duty (S5E20) aired April 29, 1981. Quincy investigates after a juror dies under suspicious circumstances during jury duty, leading to a high-stakes courtroom conflict that uncovers tampering and corruption.

Application of The QME Episode Laws

• **✅ Law 1 – Truth & Justice:** Quincy refuses to let an assumed natural death bypass investigation, protecting judicial fairness.
• **✅ Law 2 – Ethical/Social Issues:** Highlights jury intimidation, abuse of power, and the importance of impartial peers.
• **✅ Law 3 – Complex Topics:** Addresses justice system vulnerability with sensitivity to accused rights and fair trial standards.
• **✅ Law 4 – Scientific Accuracy:** Autopsy details—contusions and poison detection—are portrayed with forensic precision.

Episode Synopsis

A juror dies suddenly during jury assembly in a murder trial. While the court rules it heart-related, Quincy’s autopsy reveals blunt force trauma to the head and traces of poison in the bloodstream. Further inquiry exposes attempts to tamper with jury selection documents. Quincy and Lt. Monahan work to identify who targeted the juror—ultimately uncovering a wealthy defendant’s manipulation of jurors through threats and staged accidents. The defense case collapses as evidence mounts.

Plot Summary

The death of juror Jane Matthews during jury duty seems accidental until Quincy’s scrutiny exposes foul play. Following a trail of contaminated jury lists and witness intimidation, Quincy confronts the legal ethics and pressures framing courtroom integrity. His evidence, presented under objection, shifts the trial’s trajectory, delivering justice and preserving due process.

Episode Navigation

← Scream to the Skies (Quincy, M.E.) • Jury Duty • The Perfect Crime (Quincy, M.E.) Season 5 Overview: Full Episode List

Main Cast

• **Jack Klugman** as Dr. R. Quincy
• **Robert Ito** as Sam Fujiyama
• **John S. Ragin** as Dr. Asten
• **Garry Walberg** as Lt. Frank Monahan

Guest Cast

• **Robert Patterson** as defense attorney
• **Alyson Curtis** as juror Jane Matthews
• **Victor Argo** as Judge Ellison
• **Linda Patterson** as court stenographer
• **Additional jurors and courtroom staff**

Case File Summary

• • Victim:** Juror Jane Matthews
  • Case #:** LACC 81.04.710

Autopsy disproves natural causes; reveals homicide linked to courtroom tampering and jury manipulation.

Alleged Perpetrator(s)

• **Marty Landers**, wealthy defendant accused of arranging juror poisoning and cover-up via falsified court documents.

Filming Locations and Exterior Footage

Courtroom and jury assembly interior scenes filmed on Universal backlot; courthouse exterior stock footage.

Forensic Science Insight

• Autopsy findings of blunt head trauma and slow-acting poison demonstrate forensic timing and toxicology detail.
• Document analysis reveals use of erasures and replacements—showcasing forensic paper examination.
• Portrayal of jury administration procedures reflects legal-judicial accuracy.

1. 1. Themes & Tropes

• **Judicial corruption** – tampering with jury to force acquittals.
• **Forensics in the courtroom** – Quincy’s reports shape trial outcomes.
• **Whistleblower bravery** – juror honesty enables uncovering the conspiracy.

Reception & Ratings

Praised by Quincy fans for its tense courtroom scenes and forensic suspense. IMDb scores the episode 7.5/10, and fan forums highlight its strong social message about justice.

Trivia

• One of Quincy’s few episodes centered entirely around the trial process.
• Features dialogue urging civic duty and jury system respect.
• Judy Matthews' dossier included real jury instruction manuals of the era.

Cultural Impact

By spotlighting jury integrity, the episode presaged later legal dramas focusing on court procedure, such as Law & Order and The Practice, affirming Quincy’s role in bridging medicine and justice on-screen.

See Also

• Quincy, M.E.
• List of Quincy, M.E. episodes
• Judicial system
• Toxicology
• Forensic pathology

External Links

• [Jury Duty IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0681950/ "IMDb page for 'Jury Duty'")